Biology at Binghamton University

Binghamton's biology graduates face a challenging first year with earnings well below both national and state medians, but the trajectory tells a different story. While starting at just $25,016—roughly $8,000 below what typical biology majors earn nationally—these graduates more than double their income by year four, reaching $52,573. That 110% growth rate signals that many are likely pursuing medical school, graduate programs, or professional certifications that temporarily suppress early earnings but lead to substantially better outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $20,478, Binghamton graduates carry about $5,000 less debt than the national median for biology programs. Among New York biology programs, though, this still ranks only in the 25th percentile for earnings—meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs produce higher-earning graduates even after accounting for similar career paths. The elite private schools dominate New York's top spots, with Barnard and Hamilton graduates earning nearly double what Binghamton's do by year four.

For families committed to the pre-med or graduate school path, this program works: manageable debt and strong long-term growth justify the rough early years. But if your child plans to enter the workforce directly after graduation, recognize they'll spend years catching up to peers from other programs, and even at the four-year mark, they're not reaching the heights seen at top New York schools.